1954 Late Additional Door Weatherstrip

[Steve M.]

Going through the amazing photo discs Troy Pyles has for the early and late 54s..... a must have! He has 500 photos of each early and late unrestored 54s with very low miles. Anyway a question comes to mind regarding the attached door weatherstip photo. Early cars didn't appear to have any supplemental weatherstrips at the top front edge of the door like the ones seen here on the late ones. Does any one make/ recreate these? I'm guessing GM tried to tighten these things up a little as the year and complaints came in.
I just received my beautiful Diamond S weatherstipping today but would like to see about sourcing these rare ducks.

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 Late Additional Door Weatherstrip

Steve, there were a few dealer installed changes to the door weatherstrip to resolve leakage complaints. As I recall they were described in Technical Service Bulleting (TSB) 308. You can most likely find that on the web. On my copy the illustrations are very hard to see.

In any case the changes were after the vehicles left the factory as best as anyone knows. So if you are going for factory original you can ignore them. But if you want a driver that does not leak when it rains or when you wash it you might duplicate the changes.

[Steve M.]

Re: 1954 Late Additional Door Weatherstrip

Troy, thanks for the insight! In another one of your photos of the Yager car showing this area you can actually see the diamond S embossing on this added piece, which is quite interesting. Clearly, my 54 will be avoiding rain but just curious. It is also amazing to see the subtle differences between the early and late 54s.

I understand the resistance for $ reasons and other debates on correctness, but I can't fathom why detailed hi-resolution photos like you have of ever square inch of these cars isn't available as a resource officially from NCRS. There seems to be some thought that the chasing of ones tail to find this info is part of some badge of honor. Thanks again Troy! These photos are gold.

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 Late Additional Door Weatherstrip

It was an educational and expensive trip to visit and document those cars. Beside increasing my knowledge as a judge the intent was to collect accurate information for the up date of the 53-55 TIMJG.

Still like to know a few things. 6V battery details for one.

Other things may never have a definitive answer. For example I found the washer jar bracket mounting screws on one early 55 as straight blade and another one clutch head. Neither have been removed. Also seems some headlight bezel screws were straight blade (early?) and some Phillips (maybe late?). Headmarks on 55 engine bolts vary car to car.